Leah Dixon
Ribs, Recovery, Relinquishing, and Responding

Copyright Dr. Penny Nelson Freeman, 2024

This story began because of an accident in the summer of 2016. Thankfully my ribs are healed, but my spine is degenerating faster than I like, and pain is far more of a daily experience. This story chronicles growth as I learn how to manage my health as I age (although those who know me better than I know myself would say I still need to learn to stop moving furniture by myself). I see many my age still able to ‘do,’ and I wouldn’t be honest if I said I don’t envy them.

Ribs, Recovery, Relinquishing, and Responding
Leah Dixon
Stepping Back to Better Move Toward

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2024

I didn’t attend a Christian school growing up, but I’ve heard stories about how chaperones at school dances would approach couples who were dancing too closely to remind them to “leave  room for the Holy Spirit.” We chuckle at this, but I think the suggestion is appropriate in our difficult relationships, especially those where we have been hesitant to allow or create distance. A lack of “room” can make it harder to remember that there is a third “person” present. 

One possible starting place is this question: What do you believe about God’s role and responsibilities in your relationships?

Stepping Back to Better Move Toward
Joe Bruni
The Treads of Redemption for Weak, Sinful ...

Copyright Joe Bruni, 2024

Not too long ago, I was talking to a ministry leader friend who had been through the ringer during the last few years. He was tired and had a sense of decision fatigue after navigating the tumultuous months and years of a pandemic, the culturally polarizing dynamics among his people during an election cycle, and a pastoral response to the concern for justice for racial and cultural minorities. He even felt beat up and betrayed by a group of people in his ministry who made accusations against him and left…

The Treads of Redemption for Weak, Sinful Ministry Leaders
Leah Dixon
When Relationships Hurt

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2023

Ask several people how they feel about their plans to be with loved ones over the holidays and you will likely get a spectrum of reactions ranging from the positive—excitement and gratitude—to the negative, like apprehension, dread, apathy, or discouragement. Many might even express mixed feelings because their affection for those they see doesn’t override the painful interactions generated by their time together.

Over the years I’ve noticed that this relational pain is often the result of two common experiences…

When Relationships Hurt
Leah Dixon
Three Ways to Support Loved Ones Returning From ...

Copyright Esther Frustino, 2023

Is someone you love planning an upcoming return from the mission field? Perhaps you are preparing to welcome a missionary family back to your congregation or an adult child back home from a season abroad. Returning from an extended time overseas can be deeply challenging for both the missionary and the family (or church family) receiving them.   

In my last blog post, I discussed five tips I wished someone had shared with me while I transitioned back into American culture after living in Italy for two years. In this post, I speak primarily to those of you receiving loved ones back – whether family members, friends, or members of your congregations. May these suggestions empower you to best connect with loved ones during the difficulties of re-entry and set you apart as a source of support…

Three Ways to Support Loved Ones Returning From the Mission Field

COVID-19

Anxious? In a World Where We’re Told “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Our God Asks Us to Believe.

Anxious? In a World Where We’re Told “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Our God Asks Us to Believe.

Sarah Ensslen, Copyright 2020

As “returning to normal” continues to evade us in the year of the coronavirus, combined with unrest in so many spheres of life, and the everyday regular life struggles - anxiety has skyrocketed in ourselves and our communities at times to the point of panic attacks. In a world that cries for symptom relief, our God offers us so much more. As a citizen of the Kingdom of God, what will you search for when faced with anxiety or panic? Will you simply search for freedom from distressing emotions, ruminating thoughts and the accompanying physiological symptoms? Or, will you allow your shouting body, mind and heart to drive you to cross for the exposure of your unbelief as well?

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Sacrifice & Stewardship in Times of Uncertainty and Change

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Sacrifice & Stewardship in Times of Uncertainty and Change

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2020

All of us are experiencing loss in one way or another. Many of us are experiencing first-hand the loss and grief that COVID brings. For those of you who are ministry leaders, this time of uncertainty has likely brought even more stress as you pour yourselves out to the needs of the individuals you shepherd. Jesus experienced something similar.

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Understanding Our Limits: Capacity

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Understanding Our Limits: Capacity

Jon Sovocool, Copyright 2020

The COVID-19 quarantine has greedily robbed us of many things that are important to us: people we love, jobs we need, activities we enjoy. Even our experience of what remains “untouched” by the quarantine can at times be tainted. Why is this? Let’s examine some of those factors underpinning this difficult season and what we can do to shift our experience.

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COVID Care for Ministry Leaders

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COVID Care for Ministry Leaders

Updated: 4/17/2020, By Dave Wiedis

As all of us make the difficult adjustment to “social distancing” requirements and begin to feel the weight of this tremendous, sudden change, we would like to serve as a point of connection for ministry leaders. We have started this online forum to share resources that we have found and provide a place for you to comment with additional resources, questions, ideas, and video links.

West Chester Office
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West Chester, PA 19380
484-254-6559

 

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267-354-0691